1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mercury Villager
To start off, 1997 Mercury Villager is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Villager. (149 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Villager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Villager weights approximately 680 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Villager, 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Villager |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
