2002 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Ford Mustang is newer by 21 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 593 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
