1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1994 TVR Chimaera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 79 kg more than 1994 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1994 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 1994 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Esprit | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 57 L |
