1972 Ford Cortina vs. 1993 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1993 Lotus Elan is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Elan (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 24 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 1993 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1993 |
| 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 | 164 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 | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2260 mm |
