1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 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 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 250 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Eclat | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| 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 | 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 |
