1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (183 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 820 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 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elan | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3030 mm |
