1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 2004 Lancia Zeta is newer by 21 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 29 more horse power than 2004 Lancia Zeta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Lancia Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 533 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, 2004 Lancia Zeta, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lancia Zeta. (180 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lancia Zeta. 2004 Lancia Zeta 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. 2004 Lancia Zeta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2004 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Lotus | Lancia |
| Model | Esprit | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
