1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Montana is newer by 6 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Pontiac Montana. (185 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Pontiac Montana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 1074 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Pontiac Montana (298 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm). This means 2004 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2004 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. 2004 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2004 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Elise | Montana |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3050 mm |
