1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elite | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
