2009 Ford Escape vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 54 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 2009 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape will offer significantly more control. 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 (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2009 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 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 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escape | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
