1972 AC 428 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 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 126 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AC 428 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1988 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 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AC 428 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | AC | Lotus |
| Model | 428 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 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 | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
