1994 Lotus Elan vs. 1958 Maserati GT 3500
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Maserati GT 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Maserati GT 3500 would be higher. At 3,483 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Maserati GT 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Maserati GT 3500 (196 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Maserati GT 3500 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Maserati GT 3500 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Maserati GT 3500 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 1958 Maserati GT 3500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1958 Maserati GT 3500 (345 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1958 Maserati GT 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 1958 Maserati GT 3500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Elan | GT 3500 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1958 |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
