1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Rover 75
To start off, 2001 Rover 75 is newer by 20 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 44 more horse power than 2001 Rover 75. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 Rover 75. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Rover 75 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2001 Rover 75, 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, 2001 Rover 75 (260 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 75 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
