2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 10 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 760 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1566 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 61 L |
