1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 215 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 1981 Ford Granada. 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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (151 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada 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. 1981 Ford Granada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Granada |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2780 mm |
