2009 Ford Escape vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Escape weights approximately 270 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape, 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, 2009 Ford Escape (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2009 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escape | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2975 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
