1987 Ford RS 200 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,804 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford RS 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 212 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford RS 200 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 1987 Ford RS 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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, 1987 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1987 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford RS 200 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | RS 200 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1232 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2260 mm |
