1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 543 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
