1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast is newer by 3 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 4,963 cc (12 cylinders), 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast (395 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast weights approximately 946 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, 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast (475 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 500 Superfast | Elan |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4963 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
