1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 491 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Austin Ambassador | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | Ambassador | Elise |
Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 187 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 131 Nm | 193 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 714 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2310 mm |