1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1977 Renault 20
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Renault 20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Renault 20 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 62 more horse power than 1977 Renault 20. (110 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Renault 20 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Renault 20, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 20. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 20.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1977 Renault 20 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | 20 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2680 mm |
