2004 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 6 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 248 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, 2004 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| 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 | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
