1985 Proton Saloon vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Proton Saloon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Proton Saloon would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1985 Proton Saloon. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Proton Saloon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 6 kg more than 1985 Proton Saloon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Proton Saloon, 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Proton Saloon. (102 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Proton Saloon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Proton Saloon | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Proton | Lotus |
| Model | Saloon | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 920 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2299 mm |
