1996 Lotus Elise vs. 1984 Ford Telstar
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Telstar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Telstar would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Telstar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1984 Ford Telstar. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Telstar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Telstar weights approximately 327 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Telstar, 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Telstar. (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Telstar. 1984 Ford Telstar has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Ford Telstar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 1984 Ford Telstar | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Telstar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
