1989 GMC Suburban vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 GMC Suburban is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 GMC Suburban (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1989 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Suburban (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1989 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 GMC Suburban | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | GMC | Lotus |
| Model | Suburban | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5732 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2140 mm |
