1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 MG MGB
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 MG MGB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 MG MGB 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 69 more horse power than 1966 MG MGB. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 MG MGB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 220 kg more than 1966 MG MGB. 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 MG MGB. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 MG MGB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1966 MG MGB | |
| Make | Lotus | MG |
| Model | Esprit | MGB |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2320 mm |
