1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,475 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 534 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire 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. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
