1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1996 Proton Perdana
To start off, 1996 Proton Perdana is newer by 16 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1996 Proton Perdana. (148 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Proton Perdana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Proton Perdana weights approximately 81 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, 1996 Proton Perdana, 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Proton Perdana. (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Proton Perdana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1996 Proton Perdana | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Esprit | Perdana |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
