1980 Ford Fiesta vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1980 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1994 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 1994 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Fiesta | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 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 Length | 3570 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 72 L |
