1981 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 351 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
