1999 Ford O21 C vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Ford O21 C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1999 Ford O21 C. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford O21 C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford O21 C weights approximately 231 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford O21 C, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford O21 C. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford O21 C. 1999 Ford O21 C has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Ford O21 C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford O21 C | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | O21 C | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 31 L |
