1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP) has 123 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 625 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 108 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 172 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2440 mm |
