1963 Ford Taunus vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1963 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 100 kg more than 1963 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Taunus | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taunus | Elite |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 67 L |
