1999 Ford Cougar vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Ford Cougar is newer by 1 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Ford Cougar. (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Cougar weights approximately 616 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, 1999 Ford Cougar, 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Cougar | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cougar | Elise |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
