2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1082 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable, 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elise | Sable |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 78 L |
