Why is a Moka pot not the same as espresso?

A Moka pot (stovetop espresso maker) brews at 1–2 bars of pressure — far less than the 9 bars espresso requires. The result is a strong, concentrated coffee but without crema and with a different extraction profile. Moka pot coffee is excellent on its own terms and beloved in Italian homes, but it's distinct from espresso. Don't use it as an espresso substitute in milk drinks — the extraction is different enough to change the drink's character.