1999 Ford Mustang vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Ford Mustang is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Mustang (256 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Mustang weights approximately 888 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1999 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Mustang | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
