1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1987 Plymouth Turismo
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Plymouth Turismo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Plymouth Turismo would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Plymouth Turismo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1987 Plymouth Turismo. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Plymouth Turismo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Plymouth Turismo weights approximately 365 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Plymouth Turismo, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Plymouth Turismo. (161 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Plymouth Turismo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1987 Plymouth Turismo | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elise | Turismo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
