1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 646 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan.
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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1992 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1992 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2260 mm |
