1982 Fiat 127 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 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat 127 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 172 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 438 kg more than 1982 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Fiat 127, 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 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 127 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 127 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
