1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 493 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Because 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford 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, 1998 Ford Cougar (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cougar | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 44 L |
