1991 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 684 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, 1991 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Elise |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
