2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Talbot 1510
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Talbot 1510. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Talbot 1510 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1980 Talbot 1510. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot 1510. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Talbot 1510 weights approximately 154 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Talbot 1510, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (187 Nm) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Talbot 1510. (108 Nm). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Talbot 1510.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1980 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Elise | 1510 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
