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 |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 (best) | 2 |
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 |
Ford Thunderbird vs Lotus Elise FAQ
- Which is better: 2005 Ford Thunderbird or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2005 Ford Thunderbird vs 2011 Lotus Elise on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2005 Ford Thunderbird or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2005 Ford Thunderbird starts lower at $38,355.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2005 Ford Thunderbird or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- The 2005 Ford Thunderbird leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (38,355).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2005 Ford Thunderbird or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- The 2011 Lotus Elise leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (23).
- Which has better horsepower: 2005 Ford Thunderbird or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- The 2005 Ford Thunderbird leads on horsepower in this comparison (280).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2005 Ford Thunderbird vs 2011 Lotus Elise?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Thunderbird (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).