1978 Ford Capri vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Ford Capri is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 551 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2140 mm |
