1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1981 Mercury Lynx is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 269 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Esprit | Lynx |
Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2400 mm |