1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 32 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 408 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Lotus | Ford |
Model | Esprit | Mustang |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 305 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 379 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1627 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4778 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1877 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1425 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |