1989 Ford RS 200 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,804 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford RS 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 376 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford RS 200 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | RS 200 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.7 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 38 L |
