1977 Fiat 131 vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 47 kg more than 1977 Fiat 131. 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2490 mm |
