1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Morgan 4
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Morgan 4 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 (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1974 Morgan 4. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 407 kg more than 1974 Morgan 4. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Morgan 4. (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Morgan |
| Model | Esprit | 4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2450 mm |
