1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 780 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari 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. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elan | 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
Model | Elan | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4941 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2950 mm |