1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1977 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Celica 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 75 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Celica. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 196 kg more than 1977 Toyota Celica. 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Toyota Celica. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1977 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Celica |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
