1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 392 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Lotus | Toyota |
| Model | Esprit | Publica |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2170 mm |
