1994 Lotus Elan vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (370 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 695 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 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 1970 Pontiac GTO. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | GTO |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2850 mm |
