1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2012 Ford Expedition is newer by 44 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1667 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, 2012 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2012 Ford Expedition 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. 2012 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2012 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2517 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3023 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 106 L |
