1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 622 kg more than 1968 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |
