1994 Ford Contour vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Ford Contour is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1994 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Contour weights approximately 54 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
