1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 599 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | Foursome | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 31 L |
