2009 Ford Focus vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 181 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 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, 2009 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 38 L |
