1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2011 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2011 Toyota RAV4. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 352 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2011 Toyota RAV4 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, 2011 Toyota RAV4 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota RAV4. 2011 Toyota RAV4 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. 2011 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2011 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 60 L |
