1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 189 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Zodiac | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
