1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 25 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 3,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero (162 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 880 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.
Because 2005 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, 2005 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, 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Lotus | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Esprit | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 98.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 105 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 71 L |
