2000 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Ford Corsair
To start off, 2000 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Corsair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Corsair would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Corsair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Elise (143 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1989 Ford Corsair. (129 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Corsair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Corsair weights approximately 470 kg more than 2000 Lotus Elise.
Because 2000 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 2000 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Corsair, 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, 1989 Ford Corsair (189 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Corsair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Elise. 1989 Ford Corsair has automatic transmission and 2000 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2000 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Corsair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Lotus Elise | 1989 Ford Corsair | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Corsair |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
