1979 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 21 kg more than 1979 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (187 Nm) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| 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 | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
