1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 470 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Nova 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 1978 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2260 mm |
