1959 Ford 17M vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 47 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 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 219 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | 17M | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
