1958 Jaguar MK VIII vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Jaguar MK VIII. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Jaguar MK VIII would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Jaguar MK VIII is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Jaguar MK VIII (208 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Jaguar MK VIII should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jaguar MK VIII weights approximately 698 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1958 Jaguar MK VIII (291 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1958 Jaguar MK VIII will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jaguar MK VIII | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Jaguar | Lotus |
| Model | MK VIII | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3442 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 31 L |
