1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Holden Vectra
To start off, 1999 Holden Vectra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Holden Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Holden Vectra (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Holden Vectra should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Holden Vectra weights approximately 308 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1999 Holden Vectra, 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, 1999 Holden Vectra (250 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Holden Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit. 1999 Holden Vectra has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Holden Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Holden Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Holden |
| Model | Esprit | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
