1984 Ford Tempo vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,306 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1984 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Tempo weights approximately 223 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Tempo | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Tempo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 882 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 |
