1959 Ford 17M vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford 17M would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (160 HP) has 101 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 118 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 1959 Ford 17M 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 Ford 17M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (143 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | 17M | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 997 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2260 mm |
