2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 25 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 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 595 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2006 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ranger | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
