2009 Ford Mondeo vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Mondeo 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Ford Mondeo. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 595 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 Mondeo, 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 Mondeo (280 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mondeo | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mondeo | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 59 L |
