2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Morgan 4
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1985 Morgan 4. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Morgan 4 weights approximately 75 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Morgan 4. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1985 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Morgan |
| Model | Elise | 4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
