1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Rover 2000
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 2000 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 102 more horse power than 1971 Rover 2000. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Rover 2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 2000 weights approximately 89 kg more than 1980 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Rover 2000. (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Rover 2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 2000 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |
