1980 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Lotus GT 1
To start off, 1998 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 18 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (580 HP) has 531 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus GT 1 weights approximately 190 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 1998 Lotus GT 1 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 1998 Lotus GT 1. 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, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (391 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1998 Lotus GT 1 | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | GT 1 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 580 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 313 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2320 mm |
