1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 120 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 67 L |
