1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1972 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1972 Chrysler Centura is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Chrysler Centura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chrysler Centura (118 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chrysler Centura should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chrysler Centura weights approximately 521 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Chrysler Centura (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Chrysler Centura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1972 Chrysler Centura has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Chrysler Centura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1972 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | Lotus | Chrysler |
| Model | Elan | Centura |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2680 mm |
