1996 Ford Scorpio vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Ford Scorpio is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Scorpio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Ford Scorpio. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Scorpio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Scorpio weights approximately 320 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Scorpio. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Scorpio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Scorpio | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Scorpio | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
