1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 309 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 31 L |
