2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa 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 273 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 770 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Esprit | Europa |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 45 L |
