2004 Cadillac Seville vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Cadillac Seville is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac Seville (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Seville should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 930 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac Seville, 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, 2004 Cadillac Seville (407 Nm) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm). This means 2004 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2004 Cadillac Seville has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Cadillac Seville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac Seville | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Cadillac | Lotus |
| Model | Seville | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
