1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1993 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1993 TVR Chimaera is newer by 13 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 194 kg more than 1993 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1993 TVR Chimaera (374 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1993 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Esprit | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.1 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 | 1219 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2290 mm |
