1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. Both 1979 Lotus Esprit and 1980 Lotus Esprit are equipped with a 2,174 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2440 mm |
