1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 510 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Europa | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
