2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,530 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 390 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1999 Mercury Cougar (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elise | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 58 L |
