1996 Ford Mustang vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 851 kg more than 1966 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Mustang | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Mustang | Elan |
Year Released | 1996 | 1966 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4655 cc | 1557 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 696 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |