1989 Austin Montego vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1989 Austin Montego. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Austin Montego weights approximately 436 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Austin Montego. (161 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Montego | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Montego | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
