1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 605 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Lotus Elise | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Elise | Cougar |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 117 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |