2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 768 kg more than 2003 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 (411 Nm) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 31 L |
