1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Renault 17
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 17 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1974 Renault 17. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 49 kg more than 1974 Renault 17. 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, 1974 Renault 17, 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 17. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 17 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
