1954 Alvis TC 21 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Alvis TC 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Alvis TC 21 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Alvis TC 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1954 Alvis TC 21. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1954 Alvis TC 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Alvis TC 21 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1981 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, both vehicles can yield 221 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Alvis TC 21 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alvis | Lotus |
| Model | TC 21 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 67 L |
