1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1982 Austin Ambassador is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 85 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Austin Ambassador | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | Ambassador | Esprit |
Year Released | 1982 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 131 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2450 mm |