1990 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, both 1990 De Tomaso Pantera and 1990 Lotus Elan were released in the same year (1990). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,761 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 400 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1990 De Tomaso Pantera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 1990 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 De Tomaso Pantera | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Lotus |
| Model | Pantera | Elan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5761 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2260 mm |
