1958 Ford Prefect vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1958 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 411 kg more than 1958 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Prefect | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Prefect | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2440 mm |
