1968 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 55 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 31 L |
