1979 Daihatsu Taft vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Daihatsu Taft. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Daihatsu Taft would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 100 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Daihatsu Taft will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Taft. (63 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Taft.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Taft | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Lotus |
| Model | Taft | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 958 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2440 mm |
