1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1957 MG MGA
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 MG MGA would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1957 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 319 kg more than 1957 MG MGA. 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1957 MG MGA | |
| Make | Lotus | MG |
| Model | Esprit | MGA |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 16 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2390 mm |
