1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 595 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2004 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
