1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 866 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Gran Torino | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6553 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2014 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2440 mm |
