1972 Ford LTD vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford LTD would be higher. At 3,927 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 163 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford LTD weights approximately 675 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Because 1972 Ford LTD 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 LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1972 Ford LTD (376 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan. 1972 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford LTD | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | LTD | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3927 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2260 mm |
