2003 Ford F-250 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Ford F-250 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford F-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford F-250 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford F-250 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford F-250 weights approximately 1540 kg more than 1971 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, 2003 Ford F-250 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford F-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford F-250 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | F-250 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2410 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5760 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 144 L | 59 L |
