1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 233 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Sierra | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2299 mm |
