1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 29 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 151 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 266 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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, 2009 Fiat Panda, 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda. 2009 Fiat Panda 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. 2009 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Esprit | Panda |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2310 mm |
