1978 Ford Capri vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (97 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 12 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Capri | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Capri | Elan |
Year Released | 1978 | 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 |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 151 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2260 mm |