1984 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Elise weights approximately 11 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
