1959 Ford Zephyr 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 Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1959 Ford Zephyr. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 220 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, 1959 Ford Zephyr (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Zephyr | Elise |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2310 mm |
