1969 Ford 17 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1969 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford 17 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Ford 17 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford 17. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Ford 17 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | 17 | Elan |
Year Released | 1969 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 113 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |