2001 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 30 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 1974 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Prizm | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Prizm | Elite |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2490 mm |
