1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 12 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1999 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Fiesta | Elise |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 957 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 39 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 64 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 89.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 708 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |