1992 Ford Escort vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Ford Escort is newer by 23 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1992 Ford Escort. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Escort weights approximately 251 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, 1992 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, 1992 Ford Escort (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Escort | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elan |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
