2004 Ford Ranger vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Ford Ranger is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ranger weights approximately 622 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 2004 Ford Ranger 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 2004 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, 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, 2004 Ford Ranger (251 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ranger | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ranger | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1642 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2260 mm |
