1959 Ferrari 250 GT vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 250 GT would be higher. At 2,953 cc (12 cylinders), 1959 Ferrari 250 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 250 GT (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 250 GT should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT weights approximately 257 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ferrari 250 GT 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 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1959 Ferrari 250 GT (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1959 Ferrari 250 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Ferrari 250 GT | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
Model | 250 GT | Elan |
Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2953 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 247 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 246 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1277 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2260 mm |