1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 380 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cortina | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 73 L |
