1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo weights approximately 211 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (332 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Monte Carlo | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2440 mm |
