1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1972 Ford GT 40 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | GT 40 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 59 L |
