2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 398 kg more than 1981 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (411 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 67 L |
