1975 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 97 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 1975 Ford Escort. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1975 Ford Escort | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Escort | Elan |
Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 923 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2260 mm |