UK vs UK — 1976 vs 1982
| Esprit S1 | Sierra RS Cosworth | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 205 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,973 cc | 1,993 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 138 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 14.6 sec |
| Weight | 2,000 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,438 mm | 2,609 mm |
| Length | 4,191 mm | 4,515 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,049 | 6,021 |
| Original MSRP | $16,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $130,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 brings greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1982 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 versus the 1982 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth. Both hail from Malaise era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1982 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth holds a clear advantage in raw power with 204 hp compared to 160 hp, a 44-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lotus Esprit uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V 907 displacing 1,973 cc, while the Ford Sierra relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V Turbocharged with 1,993 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1982 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,049 units built, the 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 is considerably scarcer than the Ford Sierra's 6,021 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.