1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1998 Toyota Caldina
To start off, 1998 Toyota Caldina is newer by 18 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Caldina. (133 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Caldina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Caldina weights approximately 143 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1998 Toyota Caldina 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, 1998 Toyota Caldina 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Caldina. (181 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Caldina. 1998 Toyota Caldina has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Toyota Caldina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1998 Toyota Caldina | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Caldina |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2590 mm |
