1999 Ford Focus vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (99 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 390 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, both vehicles can yield 146 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
