2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (74 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 372 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 594 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
