2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Rover Montego
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Rover Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Rover Montego would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Rover Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Rover Montego. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Rover Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Rover Montego weights approximately 198 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Rover Montego, 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, 1989 Rover Montego (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Rover Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1989 Rover Montego | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Elise | Montego |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
