1989 Ford Sierra vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Sierra (125 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Sierra weights approximately 378 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (174 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Sierra | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Sierra | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 31 L |
