1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1967 Mini MK II
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Mini MK II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Mini MK II 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 107 more horse power than 1967 Mini MK II. (53 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1967 Mini MK II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 417 kg more than 1967 Mini MK II. 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, 1967 Mini MK II, 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Mini MK II. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Mini MK II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1967 Mini MK II | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Esprit | MK II |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2040 mm |
