1979 Lancia Delta vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Delta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Delta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Delta. (88 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Delta weights approximately 320 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Delta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Delta. (123 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Delta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Delta | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Delta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 40 L |
