1981 Lada 1200 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada 1200 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | 1200 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 40 L |
