1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1976 Zastava 2101
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Zastava 2101. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Zastava 2101 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 96 more horse power than 1976 Zastava 2101. (62 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1976 Zastava 2101. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 160 kg more than 1976 Zastava 2101. 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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Zastava 2101. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Zastava 2101.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1976 Zastava 2101 | |
| Make | Lotus | Zastava |
| Model | Esprit | 2101 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
