1969 Austin Mini Clubman vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (39 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 537 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 1990 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 1990 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin Mini Clubman. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Mini Clubman | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2440 mm |
