2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1169 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elise | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
