1989 Ford Corsair vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Ford Corsair is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Corsair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1989 Ford Corsair. (111 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Corsair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Corsair weights approximately 434 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Corsair, 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, 1989 Ford Corsair (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Corsair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Corsair | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Corsair | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2140 mm |
