1989 Ford Tempo vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1989 Ford Tempo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Tempo weights approximately 300 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo, 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 Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Tempo | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Tempo | Elan |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2440 mm |
