2003 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 257 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Elise |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
