2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Plymouth Laser
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Plymouth Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Plymouth Laser would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Plymouth Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Plymouth Laser weights approximately 269 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Because 2008 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 2008 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Laser, 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1989 Plymouth Laser | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Elise | Laser |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
