1998 Lincoln Continental vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Lincoln Continental 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 544 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Lincoln Continental, 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, 1998 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1998 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lincoln Continental | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lotus |
| Model | Continental | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
