1994 Ford Probe vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 Ford Probe is newer by 14 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1994 Ford Probe. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Probe weights approximately 89 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Probe. (212 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Probe | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1295 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
