1972 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Cortina 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 294 more horse power than 1972 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 336 kg more than 1972 Ford Cortina. 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 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Cortina | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 70 L |
