2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1966 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 444 kg more than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. 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 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph Vitesse. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1966 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Esprit | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 74.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 29 L |
