1972 Ford Torino vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 632 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Torino (246 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Torino | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Torino | Elan |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1652 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2260 mm |
