1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1959 Willys-Overland Rural
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Willys-Overland Rural. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Willys-Overland Rural would be higher. At 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Willys-Overland Rural is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1959 Willys-Overland Rural. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 Willys-Overland Rural. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Willys-Overland Rural weights approximately 382 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 (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Willys-Overland Rural. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Willys-Overland Rural.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1959 Willys-Overland Rural | |
| Make | Lotus | Willys-Overland |
| Model | Esprit | Rural |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
