1981 Ford Escort vs. 1969 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Seven (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 378 kg more than 1969 Lotus Seven.
Because 1969 Lotus Seven 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 1969 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort, 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, 1969 Lotus Seven (123 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm). This means 1969 Lotus Seven will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1969 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Seven |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2240 mm |
