1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Jaguar XF
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XF 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XF is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XF (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XF should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XF weights approximately 747 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Jaguar XF (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XF will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Jaguar XF 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. 2012 Jaguar XF will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Jaguar XF | |
| Make | Lotus | Jaguar |
| Model | Esprit | XF |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4961 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2908 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
