1996 Fiat 131 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Fiat 131 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 290 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131. 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 73 L |
