1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1990 Subaru Leone
To start off, 1990 Subaru Leone is newer by 9 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 95 more horse power than 1990 Subaru Leone. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 87 kg more than 1990 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Subaru Leone, 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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Subaru Leone. (98 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Subaru Leone.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1990 Subaru Leone | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Leone |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2470 mm |
