1995 Lancia Zeta vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lancia Zeta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1995 Lancia Zeta. (145 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 Lancia Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 530 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1995 Lancia Zeta (236 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lancia Zeta | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Zeta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2450 mm |
