1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 381 kg more than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Caprice | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2430 mm |
