2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 422 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Eclat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
