1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Noble M12
To start off, 2005 Noble M12 is newer by 25 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 70 kg more than 2005 Noble M12.
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, 2005 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Noble |
| Model | Esprit | M12 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
