1974 Innocenti Mini vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Innocenti Mini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Innocenti Mini 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 108 more horse power than 1974 Innocenti Mini. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Innocenti Mini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 445 kg more than 1974 Innocenti Mini. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Innocenti Mini, 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Innocenti Mini. (96 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Innocenti Mini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Innocenti Mini | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Innocenti | Lotus |
| Model | Mini | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2460 mm |
