1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Ford Corsair
To start off, 1989 Ford Corsair is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Corsair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1989 Ford Corsair. (129 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Corsair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Corsair weights approximately 122 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Corsair, 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Corsair. (189 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Corsair. 1989 Ford Corsair has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Corsair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Ford Corsair | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Corsair |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2560 mm |
