2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1973 Rover P5B
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover P5B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover P5B would be higher. At 3,526 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover P5B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1973 Rover P5B. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Rover P5B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover P5B weights approximately 250 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Rover P5B. (295 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Rover P5B. 1973 Rover P5B has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover P5B will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1973 Rover P5B | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | P5B |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 3526 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2820 mm |
