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 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) 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 210 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 @ 2500 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
