1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1976 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Lotus Elan weights approximately 135 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
