2009 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (185 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 67 L |
