1958 Ford Consul vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,702 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ford Consul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1958 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Consul weights approximately 69 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1958 Ford Consul 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 1958 Ford Consul. 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Consul | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Consul | Elan |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1702 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 65 L |
