1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1989 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 1989 Subaru Legacy is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,211 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Subaru Legacy (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 305 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy 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, 1989 Subaru Legacy (245 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1989 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2211 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
