1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 327 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taunus | Elise |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
