1992 Ford Probe vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1992 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Probe weights approximately 465 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Ford Probe, 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, 1992 Ford Probe (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Probe | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Elise |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2183 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
