1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 61 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
