2006 Ford Ka vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 Ford Ka 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 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ka weights approximately 77 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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 Ka, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ka | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
