2009 Ford Ka vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Ka weights approximately 240 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ka, 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 45 L |
