1986 Holden Commodore vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Holden Commodore. (116 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Holden Commodore weights approximately 200 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1986 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Holden Commodore (232 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Holden Commodore | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Commodore | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2260 mm |
