1996 Ford Contour vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1996 Ford Contour is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Contour weights approximately 187 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Contour, 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
