1995 Ford Contour vs. 1994 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Ford Contour is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1995 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Contour.
Because 1994 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 1994 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Contour | 1994 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
