1997 De Tomaso Guara vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 De Tomaso Guara is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 De Tomaso Guara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 De Tomaso Guara (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 De Tomaso Guara should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 De Tomaso Guara weights approximately 155 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 De Tomaso Guara 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 1997 De Tomaso Guara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1997 De Tomaso Guara (402 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 De Tomaso Guara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1997 De Tomaso Guara | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | De Tomaso | Lotus |
Model | Guara | Elan |
Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3981 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 402 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2260 mm |