1964 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (76 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 454 kg more than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Austin Mini Cooper, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Austin Mini Cooper | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | Mini Cooper | Esprit |
Year Released | 1964 | 1987 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 76 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 96 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.9:1 |
Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1104 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4340 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1140 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 67 L |