1991 Ford Fairlane vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1991 Ford Fairlane. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 576 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1991 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 1991 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1991 Ford Fairlane (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1991 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1991 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Fairlane | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fairlane | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2260 mm |
