1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 219 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taunus | Elise |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 44 L |
