1976 Chrysler Valiant vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler Valiant. (91 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 478 kg more than 1976 Chrysler Valiant. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chrysler Valiant. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chrysler Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler Valiant | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lotus |
| Model | Valiant | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1439 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1308 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2430 mm |
