2004 Ford Laser vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ford Laser is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2004 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Laser weights approximately 48 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Laser, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Laser. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Laser | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Laser | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2490 mm |
