2005 Ford Focus vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Focus weights approximately 727 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Focus (245 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
