1990 Alpine V6 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Alpine V6 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,458 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alpine V6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1990 Alpine V6. (182 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Alpine V6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alpine V6 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 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, 1990 Alpine V6 (298 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Alpine V6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alpine V6 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | V6 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2450 mm |
