1980 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 20 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 Lotus Exige 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 2007 Lotus Exige. 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Exige |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
