1996 Holden Statesman vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Holden Statesman is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Holden Statesman (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Holden Statesman weights approximately 650 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Holden Statesman (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1996 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Holden Statesman | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Statesman | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
