1968 Ford 17 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 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), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 48 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 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 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | 17 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1987 |
| 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 | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
