1997 Buick Century vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 1 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 500 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1997 Buick Century 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. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Century | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Century | Elan |
Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2260 mm |