2003 Ford Freestar vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Ford Freestar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Freestar (190 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Freestar weights approximately 764 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar, 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, 2003 Ford Freestar (336 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Ford Freestar has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Freestar | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Freestar | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2440 mm |
