1999 Ford Ka vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Ford Ka is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1999 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Elan weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 Ford Ka. 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Ka | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2260 mm |
