2005 Buick LeSabre vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Buick LeSabre is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,786 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 729 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Buick LeSabre, 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, 2005 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm). This means 2005 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Buick LeSabre | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | LeSabre | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1618 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
