1980 Ford Escort vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort 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 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 202 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 @ 5250 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
