1981 Buick Electra vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (160 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 695 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 1981 Buick Electra 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 1981 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (143 Nm). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Electra | Elan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 997 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2260 mm |
