1996 Ford Probe vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Probe weights approximately 339 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Probe (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Probe | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 32 L |
