1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Porsche 959 weights approximately 382 kg more than 1985 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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 959 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2280 mm |
