1996 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV is newer by 16 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV weights approximately 196 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | GTV | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
