1973 Austin 1800 vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1973 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin 1800 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Austin 1800, 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Austin 1800. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin 1800 | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 1800 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 73 L |
