1972 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1974 Lotus Elite is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1972 Ford Escort. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 160 kg more than 1972 Ford Escort. 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elite |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
