1980 Fiat 127 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 127. (49 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 346 kg more than 1980 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 127 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 127 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
