2003 Ford Focus vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Focus weights approximately 455 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, 2003 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 169 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:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
