1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2007 Mercury Milan is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercury Milan (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercury Milan should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mercury Milan, 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, 2007 Mercury Milan (203 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercury Milan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Milan |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
