2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 34 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 321 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
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, 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Cavalier | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 59 L |
