1957 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 174 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1957 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Zodiac | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Zodiac | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2260 mm |
