1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2006 Rover 75
To start off, 2006 Rover 75 is newer by 26 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Rover 75 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Rover 75 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Rover 75 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Rover 75 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2006 Rover 75, 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, 2006 Rover 75 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2006 Rover 75 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Rover 75 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2006 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 75 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |
