1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1957 Rover P4
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Rover P4 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Rover P4. (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1957 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | P4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
