1974 Lotus Elite 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 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite 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 30 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 115 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elite | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 73 L |
