2008 Ford Fusion vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Ford Fusion is newer by 27 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fusion. (161 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 93 kg more than 2008 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Ford Fusion, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fusion. (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fusion | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Fusion | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 71 L |
