1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Ford Laser
To start off, 2005 Ford Laser is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Laser weights approximately 226 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Laser, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Laser. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Laser. 2005 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Laser |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
