1971 Ford GT 70 vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 70 would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1971 Ford GT 70. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford GT 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 540 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 70. 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 70. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 70 | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | GT 70 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2430 mm |
