1980 Buick Electra vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1980 Buick Electra is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 875 kg more than 1968 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Electra | Elan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
