1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1963 Rover P5
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1963 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1963 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Rover P5 weights approximately 653 kg more than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Rover P5. (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Esprit | 1963 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | P5 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 45 L |
