1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Caprice | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2140 mm |
