1977 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1977 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1330 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1977 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Suburban | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Suburban | Elan |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2440 mm |
