2010 Lotus Elise vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 646 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Lotus Elise 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 2010 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Lotus Elise | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 405 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1881 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4882 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1915 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1354 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2941 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 69 L |
