1982 Buick Electra vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1982 Buick Electra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Buick Electra weights approximately 840 kg more than 1969 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, 1982 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1982 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Buick Electra | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Electra | Elan |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4128 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 45 L |
