1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur
To start off, 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur is newer by 13 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 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur weights approximately 1403 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur (600 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur | |
| Make | Lotus | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | Esprit | Silver Spur |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 104.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 2470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 108 L |
