2007 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 Ford Focus is newer by 26 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2007 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2007 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Focus weights approximately 244 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, 2007 Ford Focus, 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, 2007 Ford Focus (251 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Ford Focus | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
