1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1964 Rover P5
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1964 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1964 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Rover P5 weights approximately 391 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 (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Rover P5. (219 Nm @ 2650 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1964 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | P5 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
