1989 Lotus Elan vs. 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 595 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster 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, 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 1977 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elan | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
