1996 Lancia Kappa vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lancia Kappa would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 193 more horse power than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (156 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 835 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lancia Kappa. (186 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lancia Kappa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Kappa | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Kappa | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
