2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (128 HP @ 6150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 350 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser, 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser. 1998 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Laser |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
