1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1964 Trabant P 601
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Trabant P 601. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Trabant P 601 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 137 more horse power than 1964 Trabant P 601. (23 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant P 601. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 452 kg more than 1964 Trabant P 601. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Trabant P 601, 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Trabant P 601. (53 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Trabant P 601.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1964 Trabant P 601 | |
| Make | Lotus | Trabant |
| Model | Esprit | P 601 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 24 L |
