1960 Ford Taunus vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 43 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1960 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Ford Taunus weights approximately 216 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Taunus | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taunus | Elise |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
