1993 Ford Probe vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1993 Ford Probe is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1993 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Probe weights approximately 183 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Ford Probe, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Probe. (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Probe | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2183 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2490 mm |
