1989 Ford Capri vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Ford Capri is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1989 Ford Capri. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 127 kg more than 1989 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Capri, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Capri. (183 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Capri | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Capri | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.9:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1092 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
