1990 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Astro (183 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Chevrolet Astro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Astro 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, 1990 Chevrolet Astro (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Chevrolet Astro | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Astro | Elan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
