2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 275 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Horizon. (75 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 340 kg more than 1978 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Horizon. (122 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Lotus | Plymouth |
| Model | Esprit | Horizon |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2530 mm |
