1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,344 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 79 kg more than 1989 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, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (353 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
Model | Corvette | Esprit |
Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4344 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 195 HP | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 353 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1148 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |