1995 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 16 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 186 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2299 mm |
