1972 Lancia Fulvia vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lancia Fulvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lancia Fulvia would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Fulvia. (112 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Fulvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 108 kg more than 1972 Lancia Fulvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Fulvia. (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Fulvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Fulvia | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Fulvia | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 217 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 Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
