1993 Ford Probe vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1993 Ford Probe is newer by 24 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 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1993 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Probe weights approximately 400 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, 1993 Ford Probe, 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, 1993 Ford Probe (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Probe | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Elan |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2183 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
