1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,361 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 403 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5361 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 31 L |
