1996 Ford Contour vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 138 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
