1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1977 Simca 1309
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Simca 1309. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Simca 1309 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1977 Simca 1309. (87 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Simca 1309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Simca 1309 weights approximately 28 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Simca 1309, 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Simca 1309. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Simca 1309. 1977 Simca 1309 has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Simca 1309 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1977 Simca 1309 | |
| Make | Lotus | Simca |
| Model | Esprit | 1309 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 58 L |
