1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,636 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1956 Rover P4. (108 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1956 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 381 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Rover P4. (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | P4 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
