1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1993 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1993 Toyota MR2 is newer by 13 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Toyota MR2 (241 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 409 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.
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, 1993 Toyota MR2 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1993 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
