1983 Ford Meteor vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Ford Meteor is newer by 14 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1983 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Meteor weights approximately 185 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Meteor, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Meteor. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Meteor | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Meteor | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2140 mm |
