1971 Lancia Fulvia 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 Lancia Fulvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lancia Fulvia would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1971 Lancia Fulvia. (112 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Lancia Fulvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 67 kg more than 1971 Lancia Fulvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Lancia Fulvia, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lancia Fulvia. (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lancia Fulvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lancia Fulvia | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Fulvia | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 31 L |
