1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 1997 Toyota Avensis is newer by 17 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (109 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 19 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Avensis, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (155 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Avensis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
