1989 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2011 Ford Mondeo. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 556 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan. 2011 Ford Mondeo has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 2011 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 17.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
