1980 Ford Laser vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser 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 (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 115 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Laser | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Laser | Elise |
Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 94 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 123 Nm | 181 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2310 mm |