1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (106 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 91 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1976 Ford Taunus has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Taunus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
