1986 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 395 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 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| 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 | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
