1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 Toyota Paseo
To start off, 1999 Toyota Paseo is newer by 19 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 118 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Paseo. (90 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Paseo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 286 kg more than 1999 Toyota Paseo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Toyota Paseo, 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 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Paseo. (130 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Paseo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 1999 Toyota Paseo | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Paseo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2390 mm |
