1998 Ford Cougar vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Ford Cougar is newer by 18 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (128 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 171 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Cougar | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 67 L |
