1978 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort 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 173 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Escort | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Escort | Elise |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 212 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |