1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (431 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 382 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (586 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
Model | Esprit | Corvette |
Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 6162 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 431 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 586 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1582 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 69 L |