2009 Ford Ka vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 349 kg more than 2009 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ka, 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Ka | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 146 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 73 L |
