1969 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 183 kg more than 1980 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, 1969 Chevrolet Corvette (515 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1402 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
