1979 Ford Capri vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1979 Ford Capri is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Capri weights approximately 30 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Capri | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elite |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 67 L |
