1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 32 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 196 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Esprit | Panda |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 35 L |
