1978 Fiat 127 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 501 kg more than 1978 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 127 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 127 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2450 mm |
