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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (160 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 219 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (245 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Subaru Legacy.
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 | 2172 cc | 2211 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 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 | 1206 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 |
