1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1976 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 165 kg more than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1976 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Elan | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2400 mm |
