1986 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
