1981 Holden Gemini vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Gemini would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Holden Gemini. (67 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Gemini weights approximately 29 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Gemini. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Gemini | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | Gemini | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2299 mm |
