2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1487 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Explorer | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1962 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 45 L |
