1976 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 906 kg more than 1998 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Thunderbird | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Elise |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
