From: summ50@cse.unl.edu ()
Subject: Re: Lotus Elan vs Mercury Capri
Organization: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 05:15:20 GMT

derek@nezsdc.icl.co.nz (Derek Tearne) writes:

>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 -- 

I like this comparison.  The only thing I have to add is the fact that the
Lotus Elan is also one of the best-handling front-wheel drive cars built.


                                                                   __
/-----------------------------+---------------+-------------------///-------\  
|    ___  __   ___  __   __   |               | Multitasking __  ///        |
|   |    |  | |    |__   __|  |  Unsafe at    | my life      \\\///  Amiga  |
|   |___ |__| |     __| |__|  |  any speed... | away !!!      \XX/   3000   |
|-----------------------------+---------------+-----------------------------| 
|    Eric Elliott      meiderelli@engvms.unl.edu      summ50@cse.unl.edu    |
\---------------------------- GEnie: E.ELLIOTT7 ----------------------------/

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