1959 Berkeley QB vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 999 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Berkeley | Lotus |
| Model | QB | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 691 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 73 L |
