1994 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1994 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Escort weights approximately 149 kg more than 2009 Lotus Exige.
Because 2009 Lotus Exige 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 2009 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Escort | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Exige |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.2 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
