1978 Ford Capri vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (97 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 82 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2310 mm |
