1996 Ford Mondeo vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mondeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mondeo would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 426 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mondeo | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mondeo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1322 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 40 L |
