1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 14 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Escape weights approximately 793 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, 2012 Ford Escape, 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, 2012 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2012 Ford Escape 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. 2012 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Escape |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 66 L |
