1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,341 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (131 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 129 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
