2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 856 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 38 L |
