2004 Ford Ka vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 19 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 106 kg more than 2004 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 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 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 31 L |
