1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Renault Espace
To start off, 1985 Renault Espace is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 70 more horse power than 1985 Renault Espace. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault Espace weights approximately 183 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Renault Espace, 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Renault Espace. (182 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Espace |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2590 mm |
