1996 Ford Indigo vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Ford Indigo is newer by 16 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 5,935 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ford Indigo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Indigo (430 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Indigo should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 49 kg more than 1996 Ford Indigo.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Indigo (549 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Indigo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Indigo | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Indigo | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5935 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 549 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2090 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
