1991 Lotus Elan vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 925 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elan | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3080 mm |
