1982 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1982 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 117 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2490 mm |
