1979 Buick Estate vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 855 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 1979 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1979 Buick Estate (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Estate | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
