1966 Ford 12 M vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Exige weights approximately 21 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford 12 M. (135 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | 12 M | Exige |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
