1979 Buick Century vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1979 Buick Century is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 836 kg more than 1963 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Century | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2140 mm |
