1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1991 Renault Espace
To start off, 1991 Renault Espace is newer by 10 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1991 Renault Espace. (93 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Renault Espace weights approximately 190 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, 1991 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Renault Espace. (183 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Renault Espace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1991 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Esprit | Espace |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 77 L |
