1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1999 Ford Mustang is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Mustang (256 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Mustang weights approximately 892 kg more than 1964 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, 1999 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 1999 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1964 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1964 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1999 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1482 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
