1981 Cadillac Seville vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 4,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 650 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1981 Cadillac Seville (284 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1981 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Cadillac Seville | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
Model | Seville | Elan |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 284 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2260 mm |