1971 Ford GT 40 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise. 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (174 Nm) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 40 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | GT 40 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 38 L |
