1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 325 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
