1954 DKW Coupe vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 DKW Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 DKW Coupe would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1954 DKW Coupe. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1954 DKW Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 241 kg more than 1954 DKW Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 DKW Coupe. (69 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 DKW Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 DKW Coupe | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | DKW | Lotus |
| Model | Coupe | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 879 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
