1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 394 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.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 68 L |
