1986 Ford Taurus vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1986 Ford Taurus 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1986 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Taurus weights approximately 554 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
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 Taurus, 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, 1986 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Taurus | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Elan |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2440 mm |
