2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 198 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
