1989 Ford Probe vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1989 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Probe weights approximately 545 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 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 1996 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe, 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 Ford Probe (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Probe | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
