1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,129 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 544 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix 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. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elan | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1564 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3110 mm |
