1983 Ford Orion vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1983 Ford Orion is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lotus Elite (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1983 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Orion weights approximately 296 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Because 1958 Lotus Elite 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 1958 Lotus Elite. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 1958 Lotus Elite (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Orion. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Orion | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Orion | Elite |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.5 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2240 mm |
