1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 Ford E-Series
To start off, 2013 Ford E-Series is newer by 44 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Ford E-Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford E-Series (222 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford E-Series should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford E-Series weights approximately 1722 kg more than 1969 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, 2013 Ford E-Series (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford E-Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2013 Ford E-Series 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. 2013 Ford E-Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2013 Ford E-Series | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | E-Series |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.38:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 2611 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 2085 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 150 L |
