1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1992 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1992 Vauxhall Nova 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 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 114 more horse power than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 365 kg more than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Vauxhall Nova, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Vauxhall Nova. (80 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Vauxhall Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1992 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Esprit | Nova |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2350 mm |
