1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 610 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fairlane | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
