1977 Buick LeSabre vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1977 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 570 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1977 Buick LeSabre is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1977 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan. 1977 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick LeSabre | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | LeSabre | Elan |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
