1996 Holden Nova vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Holden Nova is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Holden Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Holden Nova weights approximately 369 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Holden Nova, 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Holden Nova | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2140 mm |
