1984 Austin Ambassador vs. 1993 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1993 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 30 kg more than 1993 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1993 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 1993 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1993 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Austin Ambassador. (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Austin Ambassador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Ambassador | 1993 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Ambassador | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2440 mm |
