1959 Holden FE vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Holden FE would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1959 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 140 kg more than 1959 Holden FE. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Holden FE. (150 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Holden FE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Holden FE | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Holden | Lotus |
| Model | FE | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2166 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
