1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 982 kg more than 1968 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, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
