1989 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1989 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Taurus weights approximately 20 kg more than 2004 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2004 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 2004 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Taurus | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
