1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
To start off, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is newer by 24 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 338 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage weights approximately 593 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage | |
| Make | Lotus | Aston Martin |
| Model | Esprit | V12 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1697 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
