1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 TVR Griffith
To start off, 1992 TVR Griffith is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,944 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 TVR Griffith (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 TVR Griffith should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 60 kg more than 1992 TVR Griffith.
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, 1992 TVR Griffith (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 TVR Griffith will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1992 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Esprit | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 57 L |
