1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 515 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Impala | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2450 mm |
