1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo weights approximately 571 kg more than 1981 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, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Monte Carlo | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2490 mm |
