1978 Lotus Esprit Base
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: Lotus Esprit S2 front view by Ypsilon from Finland, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Lotus Esprit Classic-Days 2022 IMG 7239 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Lotus Esprit S2 Classic-Days 2022 IMG 7202 by Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Lotus Esprit 1 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Lotus Esprit S2 at Legendy 2014 by Jiří Sedláček, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1978 Lotus Esprit Base is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive.
It makes 140 horsepower.
The Esprit measures 168.5 inches long on a 96.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,315 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Coupe |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L Inline-4 DOHC |
| Displacement | 2 L |
| Horsepower | 140 hp |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder |
| Injection Type | Carburetor |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Upper A-arms, lower lateral links, coil-over dampers |
| Rear Suspension | Trailing arms, lower lateral links, coil-over dampers |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brake Disc | Disc |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 168.5 in |
| Width | 73.3 in |
| Height | 43.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 96 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,315 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1978 Lotus Esprit Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1978 Lotus ESPRIT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Oct 24, 1978 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
NHTSA campaign 78V238000
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1978 LOTUS ESPRIT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.