2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 13 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X, 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 Taurus X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus X | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
