2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 43 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Taurus | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 31 L |
