1983 Ford Tempo vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Tempo weights approximately 229 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Tempo | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Tempo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2310 mm |
