1989 Ford Escort vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Escort weights approximately 336 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
