1997 Lamborghini Diablo vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Lamborghini Diablo 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 5,705 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Lamborghini Diablo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lamborghini Diablo (492 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lamborghini Diablo should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lamborghini Diablo weights approximately 381 kg more than 1980 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, 1997 Lamborghini Diablo (580 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Lamborghini Diablo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lamborghini Diablo | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lamborghini | Lotus |
| Model | Diablo | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5705 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.1 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2440 mm |
