1969 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1969 Ford Capri. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford Capri weights approximately 21 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Capri. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Capri | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elise |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.9 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
