1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 961 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2011 Ford Taurus 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. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2868 mm |
