2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 433 kg more than 1984 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (485 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 485 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1500 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 31 L |
