1971 Ginetta G21 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ginetta G21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ginetta G21 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Ginetta G21. (85 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Ginetta G21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 367 kg more than 1971 Ginetta G21. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ginetta G21. (123 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ginetta G21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ginetta G21 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ginetta | Lotus |
| Model | G21 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1725 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 737 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
