1986 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 882 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 1986 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Caprice | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Caprice | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1902 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
