1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1974 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Lotus | Fiat |
| Model | Esprit | 131 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2500 mm |
