1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 301 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 783 kg more than 1961 Alpine A 108. 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 108 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 350 HP |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 72 L |
