2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 1609. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Lotus Elise | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
Make | Lotus | Chrysler |
Model | Elise | 1609 |
Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1639 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1090 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |