1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Montana is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Montana, 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, 1999 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1999 Pontiac Montana has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1999 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Montana |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 76 L |
