1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1979 Subaru Coupe
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru Coupe 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 105 more horse power than 1979 Subaru Coupe. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 189 kg more than 1979 Subaru Coupe. 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, 1979 Subaru Coupe, 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru Coupe. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1979 Subaru Coupe | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
