1982 Ford Escort vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1982 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Escort weights approximately 228 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elan |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
