2005 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Taurus (201 HP) has 81 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Taurus weights approximately 755 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus, 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 Taurus (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise. 2005 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 120 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
