1980 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 180 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 38 L |
