1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elan |
Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 277 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 437 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 45 L |