1971 Ford Cortina vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina 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 107 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 75 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Cortina 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 1971 Ford Cortina. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Elan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2260 mm |
