1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500 would be higher. At 3,481 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500. (196 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500.
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, 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500 (345 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Maserati Gran Turismo 3500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Maserati |
| Model | Esprit | Gran Turismo 3500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3481 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2610 mm |
