2009 Ford Flex vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex is newer by 29 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), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
Because 2009 Ford Flex is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex 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, 2009 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Ford Flex 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. 2009 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Flex | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
