1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1963 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Elan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2140 mm |
