1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 633 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 Taurus, 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 72 L |
