1971 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 765 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
