2005 Ford Mustang vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Mustang weights approximately 327 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 2005 Ford Mustang (335 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elite |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.5 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1387 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 67 L |
