2009 Ford Focus vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 421 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
