1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina 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 (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 85 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Elise |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
