1985 Ford Taurus vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Ford Taurus. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Taurus weights approximately 378 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Taurus, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Taurus. (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Taurus | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
