1985 Ford RS 200 vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,804 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford RS 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 466 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Ford RS 200 (293 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1985 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford RS 200 | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | RS 200 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 293 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
