1965 AC 427 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC 427. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC 427 would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC 427 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC 427 (410 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC 427 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 AC 427 weights approximately 197 kg more than 1981 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, 1965 AC 427 (652 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1965 AC 427 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 1965 AC 427 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 AC 427 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 AC 427 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | 427 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1397 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 81 L | 71 L |
