1953 Ford Popular vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1958 Lotus Elite is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,216 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1953 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1953 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Ford Popular weights approximately 155 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Ford Popular | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Popular | Elite |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2240 mm |
