1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP) has 84 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 172 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 159 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
