1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman 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 87 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman weights approximately 24 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 Mini Cooper Clubman, 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Esprit | Cooper Clubman |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2548 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 50 L |
