1988 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1988 Ford Escort is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 1974 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Escort. (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Escort | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2440 mm |
