2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1988 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1988 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 235 kg more than 1988 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Tempo, 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Tempo. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Tempo. 1988 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1988 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Lotus | Ford |
| Model | Esprit | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2540 mm |
