1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 715 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (313 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elan | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
