1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Talbot Horizon 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 159 more horse power than 1980 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 203 kg more than 1980 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Talbot Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Lotus | Talbot |
| Model | Esprit | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
