1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Buick Century
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1980 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Century weights approximately 716 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1980 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1980 Buick Century | |
| Make | Lotus | Buick |
| Model | Elise | Century |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
