1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Cayenne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 824 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 Cayenne 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Cayenne (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2896 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
