1991 Lotus Elan vs. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda (286 HP) has 126 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda weights approximately 1229 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda 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 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda. 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, 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda (434 Nm) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (143 Nm). This means 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda 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. 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 1978 Aston Martin Lagonda | |
| Make | Lotus | Aston Martin |
| Model | Elan | Lagonda |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 286 HP |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 997 kg | 2226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2920 mm |
