1976 Ford Cortina vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 15 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 1976 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2260 mm |
