1988 Austin Montego vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Austin Montego. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Austin Montego weights approximately 250 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Austin Montego, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Montego. (158 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Montego | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Montego | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
