1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1991 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Thunderbird | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Elan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
