1981 Ford Capri vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 301 kg more than 1969 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, 1981 Ford Capri (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 59 L |
