1997 Ford Contour vs. 1993 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1997 Ford Contour. (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 67 kg more than 1993 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1993 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 1993 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1993 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1993 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
