1991 Holden Nova vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Holden 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1991 Holden Nova. (81 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Holden Nova weights approximately 126 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Holden Nova, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Holden Nova. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Holden Nova | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
