1995 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 305 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1150 mm |
