1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 212 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. 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 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 356 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
