1972 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1982 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,765 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 De Tomaso Pantera (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 315 kg more than 1982 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 De Tomaso Pantera (441 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 De Tomaso Pantera | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Lotus |
| Model | Pantera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5765 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 31 L |
