1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Focus weights approximately 476 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Elise | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2614 mm |
