1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 17 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe (316 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 1505 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.
Because 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. 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, 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe 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. 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Elan | Tahoe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2946 mm |
