1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 577 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Electron | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
