2001 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 504 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Corvette | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Elan |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 483 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
