2003 Ford Ka vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 92 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
