1996 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 15 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 437 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Camaro | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Camaro | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5731 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1557 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
