1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 964 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Lotus |
| Model | V8 Volante | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 45 L |
