1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 13 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 67 L |
