1987 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (245 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 342 kg more than 1988 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
