1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1962 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Triumph Vitesse 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 138 more horse power than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 326 kg more than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Triumph Vitesse. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1962 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Esprit | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 29 L |
