2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 40 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 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 917 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, 2009 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (322 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 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. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Lucerne | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
