1986 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 40 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 18.2 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 38 L |
