1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 3 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 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 693 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, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elise | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
