1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 AMC Gremlin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 21 kg more than 1970 AMC Gremlin. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (251 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 AMC Gremlin.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AMC | Lotus |
| Model | Gremlin | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1167 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 31 L |
