1986 Ford Escort vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 445 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 1995 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 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1995 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 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 266 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 | 870 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 73 L |
