1983 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Escort weights approximately 100 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Escort, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Escort | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
