1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1971 ZAZ 966
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 ZAZ 966. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 ZAZ 966 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 (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1971 ZAZ 966. (27 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1971 ZAZ 966. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 448 kg more than 1971 ZAZ 966. 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 ZAZ 966. (52 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 ZAZ 966.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1971 ZAZ 966 | |
| Make | Lotus | ZAZ |
| Model | Esprit | 966 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 885 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2170 mm |
