1981 Ford Capri vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1981 Ford Capri is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 405 kg more than 1959 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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elite |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2240 mm |
