1991 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Ford Mustang is newer by 11 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1991 Ford Mustang. (106 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Ford Mustang weights approximately 54 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Mustang. (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Mustang | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 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 | 1260 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
