2005 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 575 kg more than 1989 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, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (540 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 221 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2440 mm |
