1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 330 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan 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 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus, 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, 1968 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus. 2006 Ford Focus has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Focus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elan | Focus |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
