1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1976 Ford Taunus has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Taunus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2590 mm |
