1998 De Tomaso Mangusta vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta is newer by 17 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta (321 HP) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta weights approximately 200 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.
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, 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta (426 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 De Tomaso Mangusta | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Lotus |
| Model | Mangusta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 208 HP |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2450 mm |
