1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 324 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 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 67 L |
