1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 22 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 241 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 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Elan | 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elan | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3310 mm |
