1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Fiat Croma
To start off, 2011 Fiat Croma is newer by 30 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2011 Fiat Croma. (146 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 260 kg more than 2011 Fiat Croma. 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, 2011 Fiat Croma, 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat Croma. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat Croma. 2011 Fiat Croma 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. 2011 Fiat Croma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Esprit | Croma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 62 L |
