1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 594 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elan | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2960 mm |
