2007 Ford C-MAX vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 Ford C-MAX is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford C-MAX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2007 Ford C-MAX. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Ford C-MAX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford C-MAX weights approximately 552 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Ford C-MAX, 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, 2007 Ford C-MAX (166 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Ford C-MAX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Ford C-MAX | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | C-MAX | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
