1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk would be higher. At 3,050 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk weights approximately 330 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk 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 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elan | 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
Make | Lotus | Studebaker |
Model | Elan | Silver Hawk |
Year Released | 1996 | 1957 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3050 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 206 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3070 mm |