1981 Ford Capri vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Capri weights approximately 240 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
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, 1981 Ford Capri (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
