2006 Ford Fusion vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion is newer by 37 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Fusion (221 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 826 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.
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, 2006 Ford Fusion, 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, 2006 Ford Fusion (278 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fusion | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 59 L |
