1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1988 Ford Fiesta 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 212 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta. 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 Fiesta, 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 (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fiesta | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fiesta | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 768 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2440 mm |
