2008 Ford S-Max vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 676 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, 2008 Ford S-Max, 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | S-Max | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 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 | 1743 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
