2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 277 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 Taurus, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Ford Taurus | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Ford | Lotus |
Model | Taurus | Esprit |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 208 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 244 Nm | 277 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 71 L |