2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 176 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Explorer | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2440 mm |
