1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1995 McLaren F1 GTR
To start off, 1995 McLaren F1 GTR 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1995 McLaren F1 GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 McLaren F1 GTR (627 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 419 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 McLaren F1 GTR should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 86 kg more than 1995 McLaren F1 GTR.
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, 1995 McLaren F1 GTR (715 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 McLaren F1 GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1995 McLaren F1 GTR | |
| Make | Lotus | McLaren |
| Model | Esprit | F1 GTR |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 627 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 715 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
