1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1116 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise. 2011 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elise | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
