1996 Lancia Delta vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lancia Delta 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Lancia Delta. (102 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Lancia Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Delta weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Delta, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lancia Delta. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lancia Delta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Delta | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Delta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2440 mm |
