1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 57 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia. (190 Nm). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Giulia | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Giulia | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 31 L |
