2005 Fiat Croma vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Fiat Croma is newer by 25 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Croma. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Fiat Croma weights approximately 386 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Croma, 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, 2005 Fiat Croma (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Croma | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Croma | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
