1997 Ford Contour vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 546 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. 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 (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
