1997 Ford Contour vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lotus Elan 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 5 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 294 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan. 1997 Ford Contour has automatic transmission and 1992 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1992 Lotus Elan 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 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1314 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
