1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 16 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 420 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Thunderbird | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 71 L |
