1979 Dodge Omni vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1979 Dodge Omni is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Omni is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Omni. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Omni. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Omni weights approximately 304 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Omni, 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Omni. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Omni.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Omni | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Omni | Elan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
