1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
