2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 4,995 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (435 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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, 2004 Ford Mustang (544 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 435 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 544 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
