1997 Lancia Kappa vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Lancia Kappa is newer by 16 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, 1997 Lancia Kappa (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 430 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 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, 1997 Lancia Kappa (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Lancia Kappa | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lancia | Lotus |
Model | Kappa | Esprit |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |