1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 620 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2430 mm |
