1997 Ford Contour vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 734 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lotus Elite 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 1959 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Contour | Elite |
Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1216 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1190 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |