1998 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 17 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Contour | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
