2009 Ford Focus vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 595 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 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 1969 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 (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1295 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
