1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mustang weights approximately 439 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1627 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
