1987 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 229 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 33 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 977 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
