1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Rover 400
To start off, 1994 Rover 400 is newer by 14 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1994 Rover 400. (88 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Rover 400 weights approximately 34 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, 1994 Rover 400, 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Rover 400. (180 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 400 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
