2004 Ford Fiesta vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Ford Fiesta 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 408 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 Fiesta, 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, both vehicles can yield 147 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fiesta | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1108 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
