1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 186 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 775 kg more than 2009 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, 1989 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1989 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fairlane | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2310 mm |
