1974 DAF 66 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 DAF 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 DAF 66 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1974 DAF 66. (45 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 DAF 66. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 320 kg more than 1974 DAF 66. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 DAF 66. (75 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 DAF 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 DAF 66 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | DAF | Lotus |
| Model | 66 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 828 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3870 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2440 mm |
