1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Morgan 4
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1959 Morgan 4. (33 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 498 kg more than 1959 Morgan 4. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morgan 4. (73 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Morgan |
| Model | Esprit | 4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
