1985 Lancia Prisma 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 Lancia Prisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lancia Prisma 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 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 Lancia Prisma. (76 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Lancia Prisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Prisma weights approximately 245 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, 1985 Lancia Prisma, 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 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lancia Prisma. (105 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lancia Prisma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lancia Prisma | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Prisma | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
