1960 Ford Taunus vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1960 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Lotus Elan weights approximately 54 kg more than 1960 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Ford Taunus 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 1960 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1992 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Taunus | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taunus | Elan |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2260 mm |
