Ford Thunderbird vs Lotus Elise
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2011 Lotus Elise
Overview
| Spec | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Deluxe | Base |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2005 | 2011 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,355 (best) | $51,845 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 22 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal (best) | 11.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp (best) | 189 hp |
| Torque | 286 lb-ft (best) | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.9 L (best) | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | V8 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 8.5 cu ft (best) | 4 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,780 lbs | 2,010 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in (best) | 90.5 in |
| Length | 186.3 in (best) | 149 in |
| Width | 72 in (best) | 67.7 in |
| Height | 52.1 in (best) | 44 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Thunderbird | Lotus Elise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deluxe $38,355 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $51,845 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $39,415 MSRP | SC $54,990 MSRP |