2004 Ford C-MAX vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Ford C-MAX is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford C-MAX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2004 Ford C-MAX. (104 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford C-MAX weights approximately 670 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford C-MAX, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford C-MAX. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford C-MAX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford C-MAX | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | C-MAX | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
