1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 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 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 114 kg more than 1984 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
