1983 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 15 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 7,445 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1480 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.
Because 1983 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1983 Chevrolet Suburban (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 1983 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1983 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Suburban | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Suburban | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1968 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7445 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2440 mm |
