1961 Jeep CJ5 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Jeep CJ5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Jeep CJ5 would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Jeep CJ5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1961 Jeep CJ5. (59 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Jeep CJ5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 176 kg more than 1961 Jeep CJ5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Jeep CJ5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Jeep CJ5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Jeep CJ5. (146 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Jeep CJ5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Jeep CJ5 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jeep | Lotus |
| Model | CJ5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2450 mm |
