1979 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Suburban | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2260 mm |
