1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 289 kg more than 1961 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Prefect | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
