1998 Lincoln Continental vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Lincoln Continental is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 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) has 2 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1986 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 1986 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (405 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lincoln Continental. (372 Nm). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lincoln Continental. 1998 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 1986 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1986 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 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lincoln | Lotus |
| Model | Continental | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 215 HP |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2440 mm |
