2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 410 kg more than 1985 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 400 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 217 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 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1478 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
