1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang is newer by 13 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mustang weights approximately 982 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
