1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Steyr 500D
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Steyr 500D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Steyr 500D would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1959 Steyr 500D. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Steyr 500D. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 640 kg more than 1959 Steyr 500D. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Steyr 500D. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Steyr 500D.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Steyr 500D | |
| Make | Lotus | Steyr |
| Model | Esprit | 500D |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 19 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1850 mm |
