1984 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lotus Exige weights approximately 46 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Lotus Exige 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 2008 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2008 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Exige |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
