1969 Austin Mini Clubman vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin Mini Clubman would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (39 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 568 kg more than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin Mini Clubman, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin Mini Clubman | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Mini Clubman | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 638 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
