1971 Ford Zephyr vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 300 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Zephyr | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Zephyr | Elise |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2310 mm |
