1998 Holden Nova vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 Holden Nova is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Holden Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Holden Nova. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Holden Nova weights approximately 240 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Holden Nova, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Holden Nova. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Holden Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Holden Nova | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |
