2006 Buick Lucerne vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Buick Lucerne is newer by 37 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), 2006 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Buick Lucerne (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 661 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, 2006 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2006 Buick Lucerne (308 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2006 Buick Lucerne has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Buick Lucerne | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Lucerne | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 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 | 198 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 59 L |
