1968 Ford 17 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 64 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | 17 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
