1997 Buick Century vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 540 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Century | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 67 L |
