1973 AC 428 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 504 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise. 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 AC 428 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | 428 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7002 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2299 mm |
