1994 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2010 Ford Explorer is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1001 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Ford Explorer 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 2010 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 2010 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 2010 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Elan | 2010 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2021 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4912 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2888 mm |
