1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 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 114 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 552 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 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 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Elan |
Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 277 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 437 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2260 mm |