1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 295 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elise | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2530 mm |
