1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2006 Mercury Montego is newer by 25 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Montego (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Montego weights approximately 858 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.
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, 2006 Mercury Montego, 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, 2006 Mercury Montego (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Esprit | Montego |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 72 L |
