1950 Jeep CJ3A vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Jeep CJ3A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Jeep CJ3A would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1950 Jeep CJ3A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1950 Jeep CJ3A. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1950 Jeep CJ3A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 109 kg more than 1950 Jeep CJ3A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 Jeep CJ3A is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1950 Jeep CJ3A will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Jeep CJ3A. (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Jeep CJ3A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Jeep CJ3A | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jeep | Lotus |
| Model | CJ3A | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2440 mm |
