1980 Lincoln Continental vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 515 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lincoln Continental | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lotus |
| Model | Continental | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2430 mm |
