1982 Ford Meteor vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1982 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lotus Elan weights approximately 135 kg more than 1982 Ford Meteor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Meteor. (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Meteor | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Meteor | Elan |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2260 mm |
