1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 Matra-Simca M530
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Matra-Simca M530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Matra-Simca M530 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 87 more horse power than 1971 Matra-Simca M530. (71 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 Matra-Simca M530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 185 kg more than 1971 Matra-Simca M530. 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Matra-Simca M530. (128 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Matra-Simca M530.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1971 Matra-Simca M530 | |
| Make | Lotus | Matra-Simca |
| Model | Esprit | M530 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
