1982 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Lotus GT 1
To start off, 1998 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (580 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 422 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 17 kg more than 1998 Lotus GT 1.
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, 1998 Lotus GT 1 (391 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Lotus GT 1 | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | GT 1 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 580 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2320 mm |
