1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 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 57 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Austin | Lotus |
Model | Ambassador | Esprit |
Year Released | 1982 | 1989 |
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 | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 131 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1148 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |