1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 Triumph 1300
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph 1300 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 101 more horse power than 1966 Triumph 1300. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 152 kg more than 1966 Triumph 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Triumph 1300, 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph 1300. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1966 Triumph 1300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Esprit | 1300 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 53 L |
