1958 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 819 kg more than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1958 Berkeley Foursome, 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Berkeley Foursome | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Foursome | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 592 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2440 mm |
