1967 AC 428 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,010 cc (8 cylinders), 1967 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 AC 428 (345 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1967 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 AC 428 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1985 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, 1967 AC 428 (627 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1967 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 1967 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1967 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 AC 428 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | 428 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7010 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 627 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 31 L |
