1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Rover P5B
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,528 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1972 Rover P5B. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover P5B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover P5B weights approximately 392 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Rover P5B. (295 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Rover P5B. 1972 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Rover P5B | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | P5B |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3528 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2820 mm |
