1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 370 kg more than 2002 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2430 mm |
