1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 27 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (120 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 83 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, 2012 Ford Fiesta, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1151 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4067 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
