2004 Ford Focus vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Exige would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 464 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Focus. (166 Nm @ 4150 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2310 mm |
