2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 452 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 31 L |
