1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 32 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 110 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2012 Honda Insight, 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Lotus | Honda |
| Model | Esprit | Insight |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 40 L |
