1957 Ford Popular vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1957 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Elan weights approximately 282 kg more than 1957 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Ford Popular 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 1957 Ford Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Ford Popular | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Popular | Elan |
Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 26 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 738 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2260 mm |