1993 Ford Contour vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1993 Ford Contour. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 8 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, 1993 Ford Contour, 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 (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Contour. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
