1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 33 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 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 478 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Gran Torino | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 73 L |
