1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 271 kg more than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Elise |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 86 L |
