1985 Buick Electra vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Buick Electra is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Buick Electra (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Electra weights approximately 806 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra, 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, 1985 Buick Electra (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1985 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Buick Electra | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Electra | Elan |
Year Released | 1985 | 1963 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 196 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 594 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2140 mm |