2001 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 21 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 630 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, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 67 L |
