1965 Ford Zephyr vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zephyr. (72 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 125 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1965 Ford Zephyr 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 1965 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Ford Zephyr. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zephyr | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Zephyr | Elan |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
