1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 14 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 2,835 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 636 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2430 mm |
