1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 610 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1983 Ford Fairlane 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. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2950 mm |
