1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1995 Lotus Elan

To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 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 45 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 186 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 1995 Lotus Elan, 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan.

Compare all specifications:

1980 Lotus Esprit 1995 Lotus Elan
Make Lotus Lotus
Model Esprit Elan
Year Released 1980 1995
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2172 cc 1588 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 208 HP 163 HP
Engine RPM 6250 RPM 6600 RPM
Torque 277 Nm 204 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 4200 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1206 kg 1020 kg
Vehicle Length 4200 mm 3810 mm
Vehicle Width 1870 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1120 mm 1240 mm
Wheelbase Size 2450 mm 2260 mm


 

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