1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Mustang weights approximately 478 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Mustang | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Mustang | Elise |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 912 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2299 mm |