1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Elan weights approximately 242 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Ford Prefect 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 1961 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Ford Prefect | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Prefect | Elan |
Year Released | 1961 | 1995 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 997 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 35 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2260 mm |