1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1983 ZIL 4104
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,689 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 ZIL 4104 (311 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 2315 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 1983 ZIL 4104 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 1983 ZIL 4104. 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, 1983 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 404 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1983 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 1983 ZIL 4104 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. 1983 ZIL 4104 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 1983 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | Lotus | ZIL |
| Model | Elan | 4104 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 7689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 3335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3340 mm |
