1995 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (396 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 355 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (400 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Exige |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
