1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1987 Porsche 911
To start off, 1987 Porsche 911 is newer by 6 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 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 911 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 911 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1987 Porsche 911 (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1987 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Lotus | Porsche |
| Model | Esprit | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 80 L |
