1974 Lotus Eclat 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 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat 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 56 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 93 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Eclat | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
