1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Panamera (333 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
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 Porsche Panamera (439 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 Panamera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1931 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2920 mm |
