1989 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 4,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood, 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, 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood (325 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Fleetwood | Elite |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4467 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2240 mm |
