1999 Ford Contour vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Contour weights approximately 496 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Contour, 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, 1999 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Contour | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 40 L |
