1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 985 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera, 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 Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Riviera | Elan |
Year Released | 1997 | 1966 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1557 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 696 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 45 L |