1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2010 Toyota Avalon is newer by 30 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 400 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 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, 2010 Toyota Avalon, 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, 2010 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2010 Toyota Avalon 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. 2010 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2010 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2819 mm |
