2004 Ford Ka vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 23 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 16 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ka, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 67 L |
