1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 17 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (197 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1111 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Express | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2440 mm |
