1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2012 Ford Mondeo 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mondeo (223 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 790 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 Mondeo, 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 Mondeo (281 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2012 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
