1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1993 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1993 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Elan (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 270 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 1993 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Mustang | Elan |
Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 164 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |