1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1972 Ford Gran Torino is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Gran Torino | Europa |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 45 L |
