1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1961 Morris Minor
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Morris Minor would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1961 Morris Minor. (36 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 277 kg more than 1961 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Morris Minor. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1961 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Lotus | Morris |
| Model | Esprit | Minor |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
