1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2012 Ford Mondeo is newer by 24 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mondeo (223 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 307 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.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Mondeo. (281 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
