1975 Austin 1800 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1975 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1975 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 139 kg more than 1975 Austin 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin 1800, 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin 1800 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 1800 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 31 L |
