1949 GAZ M-20 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1949 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1949 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 356 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 GAZ M-20.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 GAZ M-20 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | GAZ | Lotus |
| Model | M-20 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 2118 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
