1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 16 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 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 25 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 387 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elan | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2685 mm |
