2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Valiant weights approximately 560 kg more than 2004 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elise | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
