2009 Ford Mustang vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mustang weights approximately 2282 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elite |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 29 L |
