1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 54 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2450 mm |
