2009 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 28 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 101 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 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
