2008 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 605 kg more than 2008 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise. 1998 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
