1992 Lotus Elan vs. 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (125 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 795 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Because 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (305 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan. 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1992 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1992 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Lotus Elan | 1977 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elan | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2960 mm |
