1983 Maserati 420 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1983 Maserati 420. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Maserati 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Maserati 420 weights approximately 254 kg more than 2012 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, 1983 Maserati 420 (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Maserati 420 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Maserati | Lotus |
| Model | 420 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2299 mm |
