1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP) has 125 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 540 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Elite |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 29 L |
