2005 Ford Fiesta vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 279 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta, 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 Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Fiesta. (137 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Fiesta | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 994 kg | 715 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 38 L |
