1985 Ford Escort vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 490 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Ford Escort | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Escort | Elan |
Year Released | 1985 | 1962 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 132 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 185 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 | 1080 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2140 mm |