1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 39 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1345 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2002 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 85 L |
