1966 Ford Cortina vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP) has 68 more horse power than 1966 Ford Cortina. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Cortina weights approximately 190 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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 Ford Cortina (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Cortina | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Elise |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 117 HP |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 40 L |
