1985 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick Electra would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1985 Buick Electra. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Electra weights approximately 446 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1985 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1985 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise 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 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Electra | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2310 mm |
