1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1982 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1982 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2400 mm |
