1958 Berkeley Twosome vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Berkeley Twosome would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1958 Berkeley Twosome. (18 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 883 kg more than 1958 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1958 Berkeley Twosome, 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Berkeley Twosome. (37 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Berkeley Twosome | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Twosome | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 328 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 305 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2440 mm |
