1990 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 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 3,352 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 508 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Elan | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Elan | Firebird |
Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3352 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 257 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3150 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |