1978 Lotus Esprit Specifications

Specifications

1977 1978

Features

Engine Location :	Mid
Drive Type :	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis :	Fiberglass body on steel frame
Production Years for Series :	1975 - 1978
Body Designer :	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Price :	$15,990
Weight :	1980 lbs \| 898.113 kg

Performance

0-60 mph :	6.8 seconds.
Top Speed :	120 mph \| 193.08 km/h

Engine & Transmission

Inline 4
Displacement :	1973 cc \| 120.4 cu in. \| 2.0 L.
Power :	160 BHP (117.76 KW) @ 6200 RPM
Torque :	140 Ft-Lbs (190 NM) @ 4900 RPM
Bore :	3.7 in \| 95 mm.
Stroke :	2.7 in \| 69 mm.
Compression :	9.5:1
Main Bearings :	5
Valvetrain :	16 OHC (4.0 valves per cylinder)
Construction :	Aluminum block and head
2 Zenith CD2SE (or Dell^orto) carburetors

Transmission:
5 Manual In rear transaxle

Dimension(s)

Coupe

View info And history

Exterior
Body Designer :	Giorgetto Giugiaro
Seating Capacity :	2
Doors :	2
Length :	165.0 in \| 4191 mm.
Width :	73.3 in \| 1861 mm.
Height :	43.8 in \| 1111 mm.
Wheelbase :	96.0 in \| 2438 mm.
Front Track :	59.5 in \| 1511 mm.
Rear Track :	59.5 in \| 1511 mm.

Handling

Suspension
Front : Upper A-arms, lower lateral links, coil springs, and lower longitudinal links serving as anti-roll bar Rear : Upper/lower lateral links, angled trailing arms and coil springs

Steering
Rack and Pinion

Tires / Wheels
Tires :	Front : 195/70HR14 Rear : 205/70HR14

Recall

Component	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Manufacturer	LOTUS CARS OF AMERICA INC
Mfr Report Date	19771101
NHTSA Campaign ID	78V238000
Summary	THE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE WHICH IS USED TO CONNECT A FILTER COMPONENT IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS TUBE COULD BECOME DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO ABNORMALLY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND THE ACTION OF CERTAIN FUELS. THE DAMAGED TUBE COULD ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR.
Remedy	DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL SYSTEM TUBING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes	VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: FUEL; LINES, TUBES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF FUEL LEAKAGE OCCURS AND AN IGNITION SOURCE ISPRESENT, A VEHICLE FIRE AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY RESULT.NOTE: SHOULD FUEL LEAKAGE OCCUR PRIOR TO REPAIRS, THE ENGINE SHOULD BE SWITCHEDOFF IMMEDIATELY.

Information provided by NHTSA
Data updated June 2024

1978 Averages

Avg. Household Income :	$17,000
Avg. Home :	$54,800
Avg. Gallon of Gas :	$0.63

1978 Lotus Esprit FAQs (show)

Popular frequently asked questions include:

What are the dimension and mechanical specifications of the 1978 Lotus Esprit?
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How powerful was the 1978 Lotus Esprit? Was the 1978 Lotus Esprit popular? Was the 1978 Lotus Esprit expensive? What was the fuel economy of the 1978 Lotus Esprit?

Q: How fast is the 1978 Lotus Esprit? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit has a top speed of 120 mph.

Q: What is the wheelbase size of the 1978 Lotus Esprit? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit has a wheelbase size of 96.00 inches.

Q: What is the length of the 1978 Lotus Esprit? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit has a length of 165.00 inches.

Q: What is the width of the 1978 Lotus Esprit? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit has a width of 73.25 inches.

Q: How much did the 1978 Lotus Esprit cost when new?A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit had a base price of approximately $15,990 (USD).

Q: What is the bodystyle of the 1978 Lotus Esprit? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit was a Coupe.

Q: What tires did the 1978 Lotus Esprit have? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit had Front : 195/70HR14
Rear : 205/70HR14 tires.

Q: What engine did the 1978 Lotus Esprit have? A: The engine powering the 1978 Lotus Esprit was a Inline 4 (1973 cc | 120.4 cu in. | 2.0 L.) with 160 BHP (117.76 KW) @ 6200 RPM and 140 Ft-Lbs (190 NM) @ 4900 RPM.

Q: What transmission did the 1978 Lotus Esprit have? A: The 1978 Lotus Esprit had a 5 speed Manual In rear transaxle gearbox.