1963 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1985 Mercury Lynx is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1985 Mercury Lynx. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 431 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1985 Mercury Lynx (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 1985 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2400 mm |
