1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 702 kg more than 1971 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 (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 59 L |
