1974 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 129 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 (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2310 mm |
