1971 Chrysler Centura vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chrysler Centura would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Chrysler Centura. (119 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Chrysler Centura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 91 kg more than 1971 Chrysler Centura. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chrysler Centura. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chrysler Centura.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chrysler Centura | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Centura | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1981 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2450 mm |
