1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 Simca 1300
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Simca 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Simca 1300 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1966 Simca 1300. (51 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 Simca 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 186 kg more than 1966 Simca 1300. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Simca 1300. (102 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Simca 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1966 Simca 1300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Simca |
| Model | Esprit | 1300 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
