1989 Chrysler Viper vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Chrysler Viper is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1964 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, 1989 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 483 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler Viper | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1590 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2140 mm |
