1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 388 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 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Esprit | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 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 | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.3 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
