1998 Buick Signia vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 1146 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1998 Buick Signia has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Buick Signia | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Signia | Elan |
Year Released | 1998 | 1963 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 387 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 594 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2140 mm |