1998 Ford Contour vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 696 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Contour | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Contour | Elise |
Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 141 HP |
Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 715 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 38 L |