1991 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (200 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 549 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Chevrolet Nova | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
