1978 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 859 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Electra | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Electra | Elise |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2299 mm |