2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 464 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Elise | 944 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
