2008 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (398 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 13 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (546 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 398 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.1 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 31 L |
