1995 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2012 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Ka.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Ka, 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Ka |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
