1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Proton Persona
To start off, 1997 Proton Persona is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit 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 84 more horse power than 1997 Proton Persona. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Proton Persona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 107 kg more than 1997 Proton Persona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Proton Persona, 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Proton Persona. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Proton Persona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Proton Persona | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Esprit | Persona |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
