2004 Lincoln Mark X vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 Lincoln Mark X 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 3,900 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lincoln Mark X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lincoln Mark X (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lincoln Mark X should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lincoln Mark X weights approximately 1036 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lincoln Mark X (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Lincoln Mark X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2004 Lincoln Mark X has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Lincoln Mark X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lincoln Mark X | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lotus |
| Model | Mark X | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
