2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 ZIL 4104
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,691 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 ZIL 4104 (310 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 2385 kg more than 2009 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 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1981 ZIL 4104 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 ZIL 4104 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1981 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | Lotus | ZIL |
| Model | Elise | 4104 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 7691 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 3335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3340 mm |
