1972 AC 428 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AC 428 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1980 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, 1972 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AC 428 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | 428 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
