From: derek@nezsdc.icl.co.nz (Derek Tearne)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Lotus Elan vs Mercury Capri
Date: 13 Aug 92 00:44:15 GMT
Organization: Fujitsu New Zealand

In article <1992Aug9.215121.1635@lgc.com> rcc@zycor.lgc.com (Randal C. Clarke) writes:
>    Yesterday I saw what appeared to be a brand new Lotus Elan...basically it
>looked like a Mercury Capri convertable with some funky aftermarket parts.

Only from a distance of about a mile and during a blizzard.

>Are they cousins?  (i.e.  a collaboration between Lotus and Ford Australia)

I think it will be a cold day in hell when GM and Ford Collaborate.

>How does the Elan compare with the Capri in terms of price, performance and
>reliability?  

The only similarity between the two cars is that they are both convertible.

One could argue that the New Lotus Elan defines the modern 'sports' car,
in the same way that the old Elan did in the 60's/70's and the MG before 
that.

It would be hard to describe the Capri as a sports car or to define it's
niche at all.  The only thing it has going for it is the lack of roof.

Here are some statistics for you.

Car          MPH    0-60MPH  BHP   MPG CC       
Lotus Elan   137     6.7     165   33  1588    Front drive
Non-turbo Elan               130
Capri        106    11.9      82       1597    Front Wheel drive
Capri(Turbo) 125     8.9     134       1597    Front Wheel drive
MX-5         117     8.9     116   33  1597    Rear Drive. 
Ford Mustang 144     7.4     225   16  4942 (For the guy with the comment
					     about pus boxes)
Lotus Esprit 163     4.7     246   22  2147(To show him how it should be 
					     done)


The Lotus Elan is a true Lotus design from the bottom up designed by one
Peter Stevens (a japanese name if ever I heard one). Although the 
engine is a modified Isuzu engine. (Both companies being part of GM). 
It is designed to have all the handling advantages of front wheel drive 
without the problems of torque steer, clunking on acceleration etc.
It defines the cutting edge of sports car technology.

The Mazda MX-5 was also designed from the bottom up,  to evoke a slightly
earlier age of sports car but nevertheless captures the fun etc. of an
open sports car.  They also handle pretty well.  

The Ford Capri is basically a Mazda 323 after a Michael Jackson job - 
you can even see the scars!  Even with the turbo it is slowest off the
mark.  Those who bought one thinking it a sports car have been sadly misled.
Of course it is a convertible and there is something to be said for the wind
in the hair etc.  that transcends speed and acceleration...  Mind you even a 
Landrover with the top off can evoke this feeling. In fact a landrover V8 
will beat the Capri off the line too!
The engine is the same as in the Mazda 323 and MX-5 although curiously it
develops less power. 
This car is of course intended as a direct competitor for the MX-5 and Mazda 
oviously knew this.  Now I am not going to accuse Mazda of self interest 
but...
  
The Ford Mustang 5.0 is of course defines the gas guzzling dinosaur.
On a road with bends the Elan will beat it every time. 

Hope this clears up any controversy.  If I win Lotto I will buy the Elan.
Until then I will stick to my 0-60 in 7.4 seconds 125 MPH 18 Year old 
Jensen Healey. So much for progress.... 



-- 

Derek Tearne. -- derek@nezsdc.icl.co.nz --  Fujitsu/ICL New Zealand --