1980 Ford Laser vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 277 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Laser | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Laser | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2490 mm |
