1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 418 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elan |
Year Released | 1985 | 1990 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 230 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 447 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2260 mm |