2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 4,007 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Explorer 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 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2009 Ford Explorer 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 Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Explorer | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1966 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 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 | 4920 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 45 L |
