1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 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. Both 1974 Lotus Eclat and 2003 Lotus Esprit are equipped with a 1,973 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 199 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Eclat | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1106 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
