2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus 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 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 93 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 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. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 71 L |
