1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire. (145 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire weights approximately 630 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, 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire (312 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Lotus |
| Model | Star Sapphire | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1778 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
