1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Rover 825i
To start off, 1986 Rover 825i is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Rover 825i is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1986 Rover 825i. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Rover 825i. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Rover 825i weights approximately 150 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Rover 825i, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Rover 825i. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Rover 825i.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Rover 825i | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 825i |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
