1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 480 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lotus | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Elise | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
