2009 Ford Focus vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 693 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan 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 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Focus | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Focus | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 196 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1283 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |