1998 Jensen SV-8 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 18 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 94 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, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jensen SV-8 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jensen | Lotus |
| Model | SV-8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| 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 |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 67 L |
